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A new study suggests that women who used estrogen-only hormone therapy after menopause had fewer biological signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers analyzed data from more than 5,000 women and examined donated brain tissue from a subset after death. Women who had used estrogen therapy had 35% lower odds of showing severe Alzheimer’s-related markers, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles. They also showed lower amyloid levels in blood and cerebrospinal fluid and were less likely to experience memory or functional decline. However, researchers stress that the findings do not prove estrogen therapy prevents Alzheimer’s. More clinical research is needed, particularly on combined estrogen-progestogen therapy, before conclusions about its protective effects can be drawn.

Scientists may have uncovered a surprising new ability of the adult brain: the power to rebuild damaged cellular networks. In a study of mice, researchers identified a special group of support cells called astrocytes that actively respond to brain injuries. Instead of simply surrounding damaged tissue, these cells appear to create new nuclei and transport them through long cellular extensions to help repopulate injured areas. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that the adult brain has very limited capacity for repair. While more research is needed to determine whether the same process occurs in humans, the findings could open exciting new avenues for understanding brain recovery and developing future treatments for neurological injuries.

A common inherited cholesterol-related particle called lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), may reveal a hidden risk of serious heart problems. A study involving more than 20,000 people found that very high Lp(a) levels were associated with a greater risk of major cardiovascular events, particularly stroke and cardiovascular death. Unlike standard cholesterol levels, Lp(a) is largely determined by genetics and often remains undetected because it is not routinely included in standard cholesterol tests. Experts suggest that a simple blood test can identify elevated Lp(a) and help uncover cardiovascular risk earlier. Understanding your Lp(a) level may therefore provide important information for personalized heart-health management.

For decades, low-fat dairy has been recommended as the healthier choice, but new research suggests full-fat dairy may not necessarily harm metabolic health. In a 12-week study, adults consuming three servings of full-fat dairy each day showed no meaningful increases in body weight, body fat, cholesterol, or insulin resistance. Participants also experienced improvements in blood pressure and consumed more calcium, protein, and vitamin D. Researchers suggest that the complex nutritional structure of dairy may influence how its saturated fat affects the body. While the findings challenge traditional dietary advice, more long-term research is needed to understand the effects of full-fat dairy on cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Soursop, also known as graviola or guanabana, is a tropical fruit containing carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, minerals, and various plant compounds. Laboratory and animal studies suggest that soursop extracts may have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and anticancer properties. Its annonaceous acetogenins have shown activity against several cancer cell types in laboratory experiments by interfering with cellular energy production. However, these findings do not prove that soursop can prevent or treat cancer in humans. Safety is also an important concern, particularly with concentrated leaf, seed, bark, or root preparations, which may contain compounds linked to potential neurotoxicity. More high-quality human research is needed, and soursop should not replace established medical treatments.

A short walk after dinner may be a simple way to support better metabolic health. Research suggests that walking soon after a meal can help reduce the rise in blood sugar that naturally occurs after eating. When muscles contract during walking, they absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy, reducing the demand on insulin. A 2025 study found that a 10-minute walk immediately after eating lowered peak blood glucose more effectively than waiting before exercising. Experts emphasize that this habit does not replace regular cardiovascular and strength training, but adding a 10 to 15-minute walk after meals can complement an active lifestyle and may be particularly useful for people concerned about blood sugar control.

Scientists are exploring a novel approach that uses a modified form of vitamin B12 to deliver drugs to glioblastoma cells. Unlike ordinary vitamin B12 supplements, the experimental strategy aims to use the body's natural B12 transport mechanisms to help therapeutic molecules cross the blood-brain barrier and reach tumour cells. Because glioblastoma cells have high metabolic demands, researchers are investigating whether they can be targeted through these transport pathways. However, the research remains at the preclinical stage, with laboratory and animal studies still being evaluated. Regular vitamin B12 supplements cannot treat or prevent glioblastoma. If future clinical trials demonstrate safety and effectiveness, this approach could potentially complement existing treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Reducing the amount of sweet-tasting foods in your diet may not necessarily make you crave sweets less, according to a six-month study. Researchers found that people following high-, low-, or average-sweetness diets showed no significant differences in their preference for sweet foods. The diets also did not produce meaningful changes in body weight or markers associated with diabetes and heart disease. Many participants gradually returned to their previous eating habits after the study ended, suggesting that changing taste preferences may be more difficult than expected. The findings highlight that reducing sweet foods alone may not be enough to improve metabolic health, and long-term dietary habits remain important.

Vitamin C has long been debated as a potential cancer treatment, but researchers now understand that how it is delivered may make a major difference. While earlier studies using vitamin C pills showed little benefit, intravenous vitamin C can produce much higher concentrations in the body. At these levels, vitamin C may act differently and potentially damage certain cancer cells. Early research suggests intravenous vitamin C could also help reduce some treatment-related side effects and possibly improve outcomes for certain patients. However, these findings remain under investigation, and vitamin C should not be considered a proven standalone cancer treatment. Larger clinical trials are needed to determine which patients may benefit most.

CLOVES syndrome is an ultra-rare genetic condition caused by a spontaneous mutation in the PIK3CA gene during early fetal development. It is not inherited and can lead to abnormal fatty tissue overgrowth, vascular malformations, skin changes, and skeletal abnormalities. Because symptoms vary widely, many children are initially misdiagnosed, delaying appropriate care. Experts emphasize that early recognition of persistent limb asymmetry, unusual birthmarks, or localized swelling can help prevent serious complications such as blood clots, infections, and chronic pain. New targeted therapies, including PI3K inhibitors like alpelisib, are offering promising treatment options by addressing the underlying genetic pathway rather than simply managing symptoms.